Sample Timeline for an action research project in this program
Week 1: ·Determine which and when science probe (pretest) will be used with students. ·Determine if the probe will be as in the text, or altered to suit your classroom’s needs. ·Determine which teaching strategies will be used to counter any misconceptions found after administering the science probe. ·Determine what types of data will be collected during the time that the strategies are being implemented.
Week 2: ·Implement the science probe (pretest) ·Analyze the probe results / organize the data to look for themes/types of misconceptions ·Begin teaching strategies and collection of data ·Data can be organized and analyzed during the collection process – this could allow for further adjustments in teaching strategies
Week 3 or 4: ·After lessons have been concluded, and all data collected, the science probe (posttest) is re-administered ·Analyze the probe results/organized the data again to look for themes and any changes in responses from students ·Additional data may be collected at this time, if desired, (ex. student interviews, focus group interviews or responses from whole class discussions) ·Final interpretation of analyzed data to determine findings
Week 4 or 5: ·Prepare presentation on action research study to share at call back and fall conference ·Include reflections on study and anticipated next steps (actions, recommendations, new questions)
A useful web site from Madison Metro School District regarding action research:
Week 1:
· Determine which and when science probe (pretest) will be used with students.
· Determine if the probe will be as in the text, or altered to suit your classroom’s needs.
· Determine which teaching strategies will be used to counter any misconceptions found after administering the science probe.
· Determine what types of data will be collected during the time that the strategies are being implemented.
Week 2:
· Implement the science probe (pretest)
· Analyze the probe results / organize the data to look for themes/types of misconceptions
· Begin teaching strategies and collection of data
· Data can be organized and analyzed during the collection process – this could allow for further adjustments in teaching strategies
Week 3 or 4:
· After lessons have been concluded, and all data collected, the science probe (posttest) is re-administered
· Analyze the probe results/organized the data again to look for themes and any changes in responses from students
· Additional data may be collected at this time, if desired, (ex. student interviews, focus group interviews or responses from whole class discussions)
· Final interpretation of analyzed data to determine findings
Week 4 or 5:
· Prepare presentation on action research study to share at call back and fall conference
· Include reflections on study and anticipated next steps (actions, recommendations, new questions)
A useful web site from Madison Metro School District regarding action research:
http://oldweb.madison.k12.wi.us/sod/car/carhomepage.html